Lookin Good!

Jason,

Your layout is looking good and I love those curved corners!  I think I'll give that 6mm flexible drywall a try on my next curves. Thanks for posting.

Rick

Emergency Shelter

Your benchwork is very sturdily built. If a typhoon ever comes take refuge under the layout! Nice progress.

Thanks Rick...

I'm glad I tried the flexible plaster, they have been relatively easy to install and the finished backdrop has exceeded all of my expectations.

Jas...

It is load rated too Alan...

It's interesting that you mention that it taking shelter under it during bad weather, yesterday I was installing some more lighting around this section.  And I had to put in a screw in a difficult position, so up I went and sat my 95 kg odd frame up there...  Well no issue at all!

Over engineered?  Yes considerably, will dread the day if I ever need to remove it, or alter it.  But until the scenery is installed it makes a fantastic work platform...

Jas...

Looking good Jas

but do you think you could slow your progress down a bit, I'm sure nobody is meant to build a layout this fast .

Rick, I copied Jason and used the 6mm plaster too,  but you have to handle it with care, it breaks very easily. However the end result is very nice and pretty easy to achieve and so far I've had no cracking as opposed to my masonite backdrop .

Cheers Steve

I have been slow Steve, just had a burst...

Hey Steve,

You are spot on with the 6mm Flexiboard breaking easy I managed to break 3 sections the other day!  Luckily it is fairly cheap...

As for progress, well I should have the last of my turnouts arrive next week, so when I get back from my holiday I should have the entire mainline in for the whole top deck.  So should make for some even longer ops sessions with yourself & Scotty.

So will be ramping up the progress over the next couple of weeks, so no slowing down for a bit...

Jas...

Backdrop Update...

Hi All,

Some more photos of the remainder of the drywall/plaster backdrop that has been installed...

Cheers,

Jas...

Like checking in

I am really enjoy your updates as you move along.  I really enjoyed the section on the bridge you made as I am in the same boat as I have to create something like that, but keep it as a lift up.  Great work

Hey Nathan...

Nathan,

Glad your enjoying the updates, and the section of the lift out bridge.  Should be some good progress on the JL&T over the next two weeks as I'm on holidays.

Jas...

Another - Backdrop update...

Quick update from the progress made last night, and the first coat of drywall/plaster mud to the joins in each sheet.   Once this is completed I'll sand down the initial coat, and then apply a final skim coat.

Once the joins are finished I paint them with sealer/primer then two coats of the final colour.

Cheers,

Jas...

Your progress

provides me with an inferiority complex to see how little I've done in the time you've put this together.  I'm hoping to get back at it in December when I finally get some extended time off at home.  Its inspiring to see your layout come together, don't get me wrong.  I look forward to seeing another video, too.

drywall

Jason,

Have you or anyone else following along here found what the benefits are for the sub-roadbed, I am curious here if I should be going this route once I am there

Another video shortly Dave...

Dave,

I have a distinct advantage with time I am a shift worker so I have four on, four off, so this allows me to spend some good chunks of time on the layout when I don't have other commitments.  That and a very understanding wife too, so if I didn't have the two it would be "very" slow progress.

Jas...

It is used by a few (drywall/plaster for sub roadbed)...

Nathan,

I got the idea from Joe Fugate who has been using it on his Siskiyou Line layout for all his flat areas.  So I think with Joe's experience and mine to date (no issues at all) that it is a valid method and extremely cheap for using as sub roadbed.

Of course I also think it is a great choice for backdrops too.

Jas...

Shift work

Well, I'm 7 on and 7 off, you'd think I could get more accomplished in 7 (well, in reality its 6) days off.  My problem is that when I'm gone for those 7, I'm gone.  As such, there are a lot of things to catch up on, most importantly family time, when I get home.  But I digress.

Looking forward to the next video!

First coat of paint/primer on...

Just a couple of quick shots showing the first coat of paint on the southern section of backdrop.  First coat is a sealer/primer, then will be two coats of the final colour...

More photos once the section is finished...

Jas...

Wiring

Jason,

Do you have plans for the lamp wiring? It looks like you could run it through the backdrop wall same as done in house wiring.

Not quite, but actually even easier Alan...

Alan,

The plan is to run the lighting circuit directly above the layout and clip it to the mezzanine joists, then I will use surface mounted sockets:

These will allow each individual fluorescent batten to be plugged in individually so that it can be removed from the circuit if required .  

The wiring won't be seen and it allows it to be readily accessible if future expansion is required. And in essence it will be exactly the same as house wiring, each deck and walkway circuit will be separate back to the switchboard and have it's own circuit breaker too.

Cheers,

Jas...